Iowa lawmakers OK on expansion bill

DES MOINES, Iowa — The Senate gave final approval Monday to a gambling bill that has been a central issue of the legislative session.

The bill, approved 37-11, now goes to Gov. Tom Vilsack for his signature.

The governor is expected to sign the proposal, which would allow the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission to expand casino gambling in the state, setting no limits on the number of licenses that could be approved.

“I feel very comfortable putting this back in the hands of the Racing and Gaming Commission,” said Sen. Mark Zieman, R-Postville, who managed the bill in the Senate. “All in all this a very fair, level-handed bill.”